Ross Wilson Public Relations - Cameras Cut Crashes - Media relations, News Releases, Media Campaigns, PR Strategy/Strategies

Ross Wilson Public Relations was appointed PR and media relations consultants to the Strathclyde Safety Camera Partnership in September 2002.

Since then we have handled the day-to-day communications for the Partnership - dealing regularly with the print and broadcast media across Britain.

Image of cameras Cut Crashes advertising on back of a bus.

The Partnership which promotes the use of safety cameras is better known under its brand name of "cameras cut crashes" and consists of Strathclyde Police and the 12 local authorities across Strathclyde.

The communications strategy acknowledges the sensitivity of this Government-driven road safety initiative but recognises also the compelling reasons for these road safety devices.

Regular opinion polling carried out on behalf of the Partnership confirms that around three quarters of people approve of the concept of safety cameras.

Communications activity for the Partnership is handled separately from the Strathclyde Police corporate communications department and the press offices of the 12 local authorities.

A key part of the communications strategy is a policy of openness and transparency.

The Partnership website www.camerascutcrashes.com lists all news releases and what is said to the media is fully-accessible by the public via the site.

Ross Wilson said: "We are delighted to be working on tis important public safety issue. The benefits of safety cameras are there for all to see. The overall aim of the communications strategy is to engage motorists, stakeholders and the general public and win greater support. On the evidence so far, the case for cameras is being won."

Increasing awareness of our core "cameras cut crashes message".
Maintaining a policy of 'openness and transparency' by continuing to list the locations of safety camera sites on the cameras website, the reasons for using them and the positive effect they are having on casualty reduction.
Continuing to position speeding in the same light as other serious motoring offences such as drink driving and drug driving.
Maintaining high levels of positive publicity for the Partnership's achievements and promoting the work being done in the form of regular media briefings and news releases.
Ensuring all key stakeholders - including the 12 councils, staff and councillors - are kept fully informed and encouraging them to contribute to the communications effort.